U.S. patent number 6,536,618 [Application Number 09/868,173] was granted by the patent office on 2003-03-25 for bottle plug.
Invention is credited to Hsu-Rong Hwang, Sen-Yih Lin.
United States Patent |
6,536,618 |
Hwang , et al. |
March 25, 2003 |
Bottle plug
Abstract
A bottle plug having a body, a plug and an elastomer member. The
body defines a space having an inner circumference that forms a
retracted surface that projects inwardly with respect to an axis of
the body to define an expansion portion. The plug includes a leg
adapted to engage the retracted surface of the body. The elastomer
member is configured to receive the combination of the body and
plug and further includes an outer circumference which is arranged
to be received by a bottle neck. Insertion of the plug into the
expansion portion urges the outer circumference of the elastomer
member to expand radially to thereby seal the inner circumference
of the bottle neck.
Inventors: |
Hwang; Hsu-Rong (Taipei Hsien,
TW), Lin; Sen-Yih (Tainan Hsien, TW) |
Family
ID: |
25351193 |
Appl.
No.: |
09/868,173 |
Filed: |
June 15, 2001 |
PCT
Filed: |
October 31, 2000 |
PCT No.: |
PCT/US00/28866 |
PCT
Pub. No.: |
WO02/36450 |
PCT
Pub. Date: |
May 10, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
215/358; 215/361;
215/364; 220/234 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D
39/04 (20130101); B65D 39/12 (20130101); B65D
2539/005 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B65D
39/12 (20060101); B65D 39/04 (20060101); B65D
39/00 (20060101); B65D 039/12 () |
Field of
Search: |
;215/358-361,364,308,295,296,299,279,246,253,254 ;220/234-238 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Newhouse; Nathan J.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Bacon & Thomas, PLLC
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A bottle plug comprising: a monolithic body defining a space
having an inner circumference forming a retracted surface
projecting inwardly with respect to an axis of the body to define
an expansion portion; a plug having a leg configured and
dimensioned to engage the retracted surface of the body, said plug
urging said expansion portion to radially expand as the plug is
pushed into the body; and an elastomer member configured and
dimensioned to receive the combination of the body and the plug;
wherein an outer circumference of the elastomer member
corresponding to the expansion portion of the body is configured
and dimensioned to seal the inner circumference of the bottle neck
when the bottle plug is inserted into the bottle neck such that
insertion of the plug into the expansion portion urges the outer
circumference of the elastomer member to expand radially to thereby
seal the inner circumference of the bottle neck.
2. A bottle plug comprising: a body providing an annular partition
having an upper surface and a lower surface, a wall axially
extending from the upper for defining a compartment and a plurality
of flexible walls axially extending from the lower surface for
defining an expansion portion; a plug providing a top and a leg,
the top is received in the compartment and the leg is engaged with
the expansion portion for expanding; and an elastomer member
adapted to receive the combination of the body and the plug;
wherein an outer circumference of the elastomer member
corresponding to the expansion portion of the body is adapted to
sealably confront the inner circumference of the bottle neck by the
leg engaging with the expansion portion when the bottle plug is
inserted into the bottle neck.
3. The bottle plug as defined in claim 2, wherein the leg further
provides a slightly tapered end engaged with the expansion
portion.
4. The bottle plug as defined in claim 2, wherein a protrusion is
formed on the inner circumference of each the flexible wall to
provide the expansion portion.
5. The bottle plug as defined in claim 2, wherein a radially outer
annular surface of the top provides an annular groove extended
around an axis of the plug, and the groove adapted to engage with a
rib of the body while the plug is inserted into the body.
6. The bottle plug as defined in claim 2, wherein a radially outer
annular surface of the top of the plug provides a thread; and a
thread and a recession co-axially formed on an inner circumference
of the wall and abutting parallel each other; the thread of the
plug is adapted to tighten with the thread of the body while the
plug is inserted into the body; the top of the plug is restricted
in lock position as it drops into the recession of the body.
7. The bottle plug as defined in claim 6, wherein the top of the
plug provides a slot for manually or automatically screwing it.
8. The bottle plug as defined in claim 2, wherein a protrusion is
formed on the inner circumference of the flexible walls to provide
the expansion portion engaged with a recession of the leg of the
plug while the plug is inserted into the body.
9. The bottle plug as defined in claim 2, wherein an annular groove
provides on a bottom of an outer circumference of a wall; a tear
strip connects between the bottom of the wall and the annular
partition so that the wall can tear off from the body along its
groove.
10. The bottle plug as defined in claim 2, wherein the body
provides an annular flange at an edge of a hole of the partition
for holding the inserted leg of the plug slightly tight.
11. The bottle plug as defined in claim 2, wherein a bottom of the
elastomer member provides a hole and a filter arranged therein, the
filter is made of cork material and permits only a miniscule amount
of air to enter the bottle.
12. A bottle plug comprising: a body providing an annular partition
having an upper surface and a lower surface, a wall axially
extending from the upper for defining a compartment and a plurality
of flexible walls axially extending from the lower surface for
defining an expansion portion, an inner circumference of each the
flexible wall provides an engagement means; a plug providing a top
and a leg, the top is received in the compartment and the leg is
engaged with the expansion portion for expanding and provides an
engagement means for engaging with the engagement means of the
body; and an elastomer member adapted to receive the combination of
the body and the plug; wherein an outer circumference of the
elastomer member corresponding to the expansion portion of the body
is adapted to sealably confront the inner circumference of the
bottle neck by the leg engaging with the expansion portion when the
bottle plug is inserted into the bottle neck.
13. The bottle plug as defined in claim 12, wherein the leg further
provides a slightly tapered end engaged with the expansion
portion.
14. The bottle plug as defined in claim 12, wherein a protrusion is
formed on the inner circumference of each the flexible wall to
provide the expansion portion.
15. The bottle plug as defined in claim 12, wherein the plug
provides an annular wall extended from the radially outer annular
surface in a direction from the top to the leg; an annular tear
strip is attached to the rim of the wall and thus an inner lip
forms a retainer for retaining the annular plate of the body while
the plug is inserted into the body.
16. The bottle plug as defined in claim 12, wherein an annular
groove provides on a bottom of an outer circumference of a wall; a
tear strip connects between the bottom of the wall and the annular
partition so that the wall can tear off from the body along its
groove.
17. The bottle plug as defined in claim 12, wherein the body
provides an annular flange at an edge of a hole of the partition
for holding the inserted leg of the plug slightly tight.
18. A bottle plug comprising: a body providing an annular partition
having an upper surface and a lower surface, a wall axially
extending from the upper for defining a compartment and a plurality
of flexible walls axially extending from the lower surface for
defining an expansion portion, an inner circumference of the wall
provides a groove; a plug providing a top and a leg, the top is
received in the compartment and the leg is engaged with the
expansion portion for expanding, a radially outer annular surface
provides a rib for engaging with the groove of the body; and an
elastomer member adapted to receive the combination of the body and
the plug; wherein an outer circumference of the elastomer member
corresponding to the expansion portion of the body is adapted to
sealably confront the inner circumference of the bottle neck by the
leg engaging with the expansion portion when the bottle plug is
inserted into the bottle neck.
19. The bottle plug as defined in claim 18, wherein the inner
circumference of each the flexible wall provides an engagement
means engaged with an engagement means provided on the leg of the
plug.
20. The bottle plug as defined in claim 19, wherein the inner
circumference of each the flexible wall provides a protrusion
engaged with a groove provided on the leg of the plug.
21. The bottle plug as defined in claim 18, wherein an inner
circumference of the wall provides a first groove and a second
groove; the rib is engaged with the first groove in order to
perform the function of positioning the plug that securely locked
in the body, and the rib is engaged with the second groove in order
to perform the function of positioning the plug that securely
locked in the body.
22. The bottle plug as defined in claim 18, wherein an annular
first flange of the top is positioned at the topside of a groove in
order to perform the function of positioning the plug securely
locked in the body and at the bottom side of the groove in order to
perform the function of removing the bottle plug.
23. A bottle plug comprising: a body providing an annular partition
having an upper surface and a lower surface, a wall axially
extending from the upper for defining a compartment and a plurality
of flexible walls axially extending from the lower surface for
defining an expansion portion, an inner distal circumference of
each the wall provides a slightly retracted surface projecting
inwardly; a plug providing a top and a leg, the top is received in
the compartment and the leg is engaged with the expansion portion
for expanding and provides an annular flange for engaging with the
retracted surface of the body; and an elastomer member adapted to
receive the combination of the body and the plug; wherein an outer
circumference of the elastomer member corresponding to the
expansion portion of the body is adapted to sealably confront the
inner circumference of the bottle neck by the leg engaging with the
expansion portion when the bottle plug is inserted into the bottle
neck.
24. The bottle plug as defined in claim 23, wherein the inner
circumference of each the flexible wall provides an engagement
means engaged with an engagement means provided on the leg of the
plug.
25. The bottle plug as defined in claim 24, wherein the inner
circumference of each the flexible wall provides a protrusion
engaged with a groove provided on the leg of the plug.
26. The bottle plug as defined in claim 23, wherein an inner
circumference of the wall provides a first groove and a second
groove; the rib is engaged with the first groove in order to
perform the function of positioning the plug that securely locked
in the body, and the rib is engaged with the second groove in order
to perform the function of positioning the plug that securely
locked in the body.
27. The bottle plug as defined in claim 23, wherein a radially
outer annular surface of the top of the plug provides a thread; and
a thread and a recession co-axially formed on an inner
circumference of the wall and abutting parallel each other; the
thread of the plug is adapted to tighten with the thread of the
body while the plug is inserted into the body; the top of the plug
is restricted in lock position as it drops into the recession of
the body.
28. The bottle plug as defined in claim 23, wherein an annular
first flange of the top is positioned at the topside of a groove in
order to perform the function of positioning the plug securely
locked in the body and at the bottom side of the groove in order to
perform the function of removing the bottle plug.
29. The bottle plug as defined in claim 23, wherein the annular
flange is engaged with a distal end of each the flexible wall as
the plug is restricted in lock position.
30. The bottle plug as defined in claim 23, wherein a bottom of the
elastomer member provides a hole and a filter arranged therein, the
filter is made of cork material and permits only a miniscule amount
of air to enter the bottle.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is related to a bottle plug and more
particularly to the bottle plug which can.be conveniently inserted
into a bottle neck and prevents from unlawful reuse in closing
process.
2. Description of the Related Art
Liquor, wine or the like is conventionally contained in glass or
ceramic bottle. Before the bottling process, distilled heat liquor
has already situated in high inner pressure. In the bottling
process, when the traditional bottle plug is typically forced into
the neck of a filled bottle, the inner pressure in the filled
bottle is essentially greater than atmospheric pressure. Typically,
the diameter of bottle plug is apt to greater than the inner
circumference of the bottle neck in order to sealably confront each
other when the plug is axially inserted into the bottle neck. The
plug, therefore, is capable of withstanding substantial inner
pressure over long storage periods without deterioration or effect
on the contents. During the bottling process, it is hard while the
plug is inserted as intended into the bottle neck. In particular,
the plug is hard to be remained in the bottle neck by an axially
directed inner pressure from within the bottle.
The conventional bottle plug is made of cork which has capillary.
The inner pressure from within the bottle, thus, will be released
through the capillary of the cork during closing bottle process so
that the plug has an improved sealable in the bottle neck. However,
the plug necessitates to tightly seal the bottle neck and thus it
is hard to be inserted into the bottle neck in the bottling
process. In addition, wet and aged cork tends to disintegrate and
it is often difficult to remove from the bottle neck. Accordingly,
it is inconvenient to remove the cork when it is easily snapped in
two.
R.O.C. Pat. Publication No. 314,862 published on Sep. 1, 1997
discloses "An improved structure of a bottle plug". FIG. 1
illustrates a perspective view of the bottle plug in accordance
with No. 314,862. Referring to FIG. 1, No. 314,862 discloses the
bottle plug including an elastomer member 41 and a plug 42. The
seal 41 is made of foamed plastic material instead of cork because
opening the bottle will snap a cork stopper into two. However, the
bottle plug of No. 314,862 fails to be remained in place by the
inner pressure from within the bottle during the closing
process.
There is a serious problem in the market. Illegal factories
fabricate fake liquor or wine by using the used bottles and bottle
plugs on which covering a new and intact cap of tinfoil or a
plastic material. Accordingly, there is a need of performing the
function of indicating whether or not the bottle has previously
been opened. Therefore, preventing from reusing bottle plug is one
of solutions.
The present invention intends to provide a bottle plug including
gas-tight means and reuse-proof means in such way to as to mitigate
and overcome the above problem.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The primary objective of this invention is to provide a bottle plug
with a gas-tight means which can be easily inserted into a bottle
neck and then tightly seals the bottle that improves efficiency of
bottle closing process.
The secondary objective of this invention is to provide the bottle
plug with a reuse-proof means which cannot be reused as a new one
that can prevent illegal factories from fabricating fake liquor or
wine by using the used bottles and bottle plugs.
The present invention is the bottle plug. The bottle plug mainly
includes a bottle plug member and an elastomer member. The bottle
plug member consists of a gastight means and a reuse-proof means
and further inserts into the elastomer member being assembled as a
unit to form the bottle plug. When the bottle plug is inserted into
a bottle neck, the gas-tight means provides an expansion portion to
seal the bottle neck and the reuse-proof means provides an
appearance and the function of indicating whether the bottle neck
has previously opened or the bottle plug has been used.
Other objectives, advantages and novel features of the invention
will become more apparent from the following detailed description
and the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will now be described in detail with
reference to the accompanying drawings herein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the bottle plug in accordance with
R.O.C. Pat. Publication No. 314,862.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bottle plug in accordance with
the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a partial sectional view of the bottle plug in accordance
with the first embodiment of the present invention in the first
step of closing bottle process.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4--4 in FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view of the bottle plug of the first
embodiment of the present invention in the second step of closing
bottle process.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the bottle plug in accordance with
the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the bottle plug in accordance with
the third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the bottle plug in accordance with
the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the bottle plug in accordance with
the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the bottle plug in accordance with
the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a partial sectional view of the bottle plug in
accordance with the sixth embodiment of the present invention in
the first step of closing bottle process.
FIG. 12 is a partial sectional view of the bottle plug in
accordance with the sixth embodiment of the present invention in
the second step of closing bottle process.
FIG. 13 is a partial sectional view of the bottle plug in
accordance with the seventh embodiment of the present invention in
the first step of closing bottle process.
FIG. 14 is a partial sectional view of the bottle plug in
accordance with the seventh embodiment of the present invention in
the second step of closing bottle process.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the bottle plug in accordance with
the eighth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a partial sectional view of the bottle plug in
accordance with the eighth embodiment of the present invention in
the first step of closing bottle process.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to FIG. 2, a bottle plug in accordance with a first
embodiment of the present invention mainly includes a body
generally designated as numeral 1, a plug as numeral 2 and an
elastomer member as numeral 3.
Referring again to FIG. 2, the body 1 includes an annular rib 11
formed on an inner circumference of a wall 14 and a plurality of
flexible walls 12 encircled an axis to define a space 15 with an
opening. An annular partition 13 of the body 1 provides an upper
surface for axially extending the wall 14 defining a compartment
and a lower surface for axially extending the walls 12 defining an
expansion portion. The inner distal circumference of each wall 12
provides a slightly retracted surface 16 projecting inwardly in a
common plane perpendicular to the axis defined by the body 1. The
outer circumference of each wall 12 further provides a plurality of
ribs 17 projecting outwardly and encircling co-axially around the
axis of the body 1. The shape of the plug 2 is dictated somewhat by
tradition and etiquette corresponding to the inner circumference of
the body 1. Accordingly, the plug 2 essentially consists of a top
and a leg. The distal end of the leg provides a slightly tapered
end adapted to engage with the retracted surface 16 of the body 1.
Correspondingly, the radially outer annular surface of the top
provides an annular groove 21 extended around the axis of the plug
2 and adapted to engage with the rib 11 of the body 1. When the leg
of the plug 2 is axially inserted into the inner circumference of
the body 1, the tapered end is axially aligned to the retracted
surface 16. Once the tapered end is engaged with the retracted
surface 16, the end of the walls 12 will be forced to expand
radially and outwardly. The groove 21 eventually engaged with the
rib 11 to form a securely locked position after insertion. The body
1 further provides an annular flange 18 at the edge of a hole of
the partition 13 for holding the inserted leg of the plug 2
slightly tight before it is in lock position. The elastomer member
3 may be made of cork, foamed plastic material or the like which
cannot chemically contaminate the content within the bottle giving
it a distressing taste and permits only a miniscule amount of air
to enter the bottle as well as breathing. The elastomer member 3 is
cup-shaped part with a cavity in which adapted to receive the
combination of the body 1 and the plug 2 aligned co-axially to the
elastomer member 3. The inner circumference of the elastomer member
3 includes a plurality of grooves 31 encircling co-axially around
its axis corresponding to the ribs 17 for assembling. The outer
circumference of the elastomer member 3 corresponding to the
expansion portion of the body 1 is adapted to sealably confront the
inner circumference of the bottle neck during inserting. It is for
convenient to insert the assembled bottle plug into the bottle
neck, the outer diameter of the elastomer member 3 is slightly less
than the inside bottle neck diameter. The radially outer annular
surface 32 of the elastomer member 3 is further provided for
confronting the rim of the bottle neck upon insertion.
FIG. 3 illustrates the bottle plug in accordance with the first
embodiment of the present invention in the first step of closing
bottle process. FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4--4 in
FIG. 3 illustrating the preferred number of five walls 12 inserting
into the cavity of the elastomer member 3. The combination of the
body 1 and elastomer member 3 has been inserted into the bottle
neck 4 in the first step. Because of the body 1 allowing the
deformation of the elastomer member 3 in the bottle neck while
insertion, it is very convenient to be inserted. Suppose the inner
circumference of the bottle neck 4 is 18.2 mm, the maximum outer
diameter of the elastomer member 3 is approximately 18.4 mm for
insertion as shown by test data.
FIG. 5 illustrates the bottle plug of the first embodiment of the
present invention in the second step of closing bottle process.
Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the plug 2 is axially aligned to the
center of the body 1 and then the leg is inserted into the inner
circumference. When the tapered distal end of the plug 2 is being
inserted into the space 15 to engage with the retracted surface 16
of the body 1, the distal end actuates the expansion portion
defined by the wall expanding in radial outward. Accordingly, when
the wall 12 is in expansion, the outer circumference of the
elastomer member 3 corresponding to the expansion portion of the
body 1 is sealably confronted the inner circumference of the bottle
neck 4 that can perform the function of tightly sealing the bottle
neck 4. As shown in test data, the maximum outer diameter of the
elastomer member 3 removed from the bottle neck accomplishing
preferred seal effect is approximately between 18.7 mm and 19.2 mm.
While the distal end is rested in the opening of space 15, the
groove 21 is engaged with the rib 11 in order to perform the
function of positioning the plug 2 that securely locked in the body
1. The elastomers member 3 permits only a miniscule amount of air
via the space 15 of the body 1 to enter the bottle as well as
breathing. After that package machine covers the bottle plug with a
tinfoil or plastic cap mounting on the bottle neck 4.
When the bottle plug of the present invention is removed from the
bottle neck 4, it releases the inner pressure of the content within
the bottle. Thus users can reuse the bottle plug to insert into and
remove from the bottle neck 4 which has been previously opened.
However, the bottle plug cannot appear intact if the plug 2 is
forced to release or loosen from the body 1 as well as disengaging
the rib 11 with the groove 21. On the one hand the used bottle plug
is impossible to remove the plug 2 from the body 1, and on the
other hand the bottle plug with the maximum outer diameter cannot
apply to the high inner pressure, temperature of the content within
the bottle in the bottling process. Therefore, illegal factories
cannot reuse the bottle plug for fabricating fake liquor because
the appearance of the bottle plug reveals initial opening of the
bottle.
FIG. 6 illustrates the bottle plug in accordance with the second
embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 6,
reference numerals of the second embodiment has applied the
identical numerals of the previous embodiment.
Referring to FIG. 6, the body 1 of the second embodiment further
includes an annular groove corresponding to the annular partition
13 provided on the bottom of the outer circumference, as well as a
radially outer annular surface, of the wall 14. A tear strip 19
connects between the bottom of the wall 14 and the annular
partition 13 so that the wall 14 can tear off from the body 1 along
its groove. The bottle plug has been inserted into the bottle neck
4 and the elastomer member 3 confronts with the inner circumference
of the bottle neck 4 for tightly sealing. For removing the bottle
plug from the bottle neck 4, users can tear off the strip 19 and
thus the wall 14 is cut along the groove. As the wall 14 is cut
along the groove of the body 1 the plug 2 can release from it. The
expansion portion of the body 1 is disengaged with the tapered end
of the plug 2; meanwhile, the bottle can remove from the bottle
neck 4. The appearance of the plug 2 without the wall 14 performs
the function of indicating whether the bottle neck 4 has previously
opened or the bottle plug has been used. Therefore, it can prevent
reuse of the bottle plug.
FIG. 7 illustrates the bottle plug in accordance with the third
embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 7,
reference numerals of the third embodiment has applied the
identical numerals of the previous embodiment. Referring to FIG. 7,
the body 1 of the third embodiment includes a thread 11 and a
recession A co-axially formed on an inner circumference of a wall
14 and abutting parallel each other. The plug 2 of the third
embodiment provides a corresponding thread 21 for tightening it
with the thread 11 while the plug 2 is inserted into the body 1
assembled as a unit. The top of the plug 2 further provides a slot
22 for manually or automatically screwing it. The combination of
the body 1 and elastomer member 3 has been inserted into the bottle
neck 4 in the first step. The plug 2 for sealing the bottle neck 4
is screwed clockwise to mount in the body 1. Thus the expansion
portion of the body 1 is expanded in radial outward due to the
tapered distal end of the plug 2 engaging with a protrusion 16 of
each the wall 12. For removing the bottle plug from the bottle neck
4, the plug 2 is screwed counterclockwise to release from the body
1 and thus the outer diameter of the bottle plug will reduce due to
shrinkage of the expansion portion. Furthermore, the leg of the
plug 2 further provides an annular groove 23 for unreleasably
engaging with the protrusion 16 of the body 1 in order to prevent
reuse. For removing the bottle plug from the bottle neck 4, the
plug 2 is screwed clockwise to enable the leg of the plug 2
disengaged with the protrusion 16 of the body 1. The annular groove
23 of the plug 2 is engaged with the inner circumference of the
protrusion 16 of the body 1 and thus the outer diameter of the
bottle plug will reduce due to shrinkage of the expansion portion.
The top of the plug 2 is restricted with an appearance in lock
position as it drops into the recession A of the body 1. It
performs the function of indicating the bottle plug has been
used.
FIG. 8 illustrates the bottle plug in accordance with the fourth
embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 8,
reference numerals of the fourth embodiment has applied the
identical numerals of the previous embodiment. Referring to FIG. 8,
the body 5 of the fourth embodiment includes an annular plate 53
having a hole provided on its center. The body 5 further includes a
plurality of flexible walls 52 extended from the periphery of the
hole and encircled an axis to define a space 55 with an opening.
The inner circumference of each wall 52 provides a groove 51
extending along a circle coaxial to the axis defined by the body 5
and a slightly retracted surface 56 projecting inwardly in a common
plane perpendicular to the axis of it. The outer circumference of
each wall 52 further provides a plurality of ribs 57 projecting
outwardly and encircling co-axially around the axis of the body 5.
The shape of the plug 6 of the fourth embodiment is dictated
corresponding to the nut-shaped body 5. Accordingly, the plug 6
essentially consists of a top and a leg. The leg provides an
annular projection 61 and a slightly tapered end adapted to engage
with the groove 51 and the retracted surface 56 of the body 5
respectively. When the leg of the plug 6 is axially inserted into
the inner circumference of the body 5, the tapered end is axially
aligned to the retracted surface 56. Once the tapered end is
engaged with the retracted surface 56, the end of the walls 52 will
be forced to expand radially and outwardly. The annular projection
61 eventually engaged with the groove 51 to form a securely locked
position after insertion. The body 5 further provides an annular
flange 58 at the edge of a hole of the annular plate 53 for holding
the inserted leg of the plug 6 slightly tight before it is in lock
position. The elastomer member 3 is cup-shaped part with a cavity
in which adapted to receive the combination of the body 5 and the
plug 6 aligned co-axially to the elastomer member 3. The inner
circumference of the elastomer member 3 includes a plurality of
grooves 31 encircling co-axially around its axis corresponding to
the ribs 57 for assembling. The outer circumference of the
elastomer member 3 corresponding to the expansion portion of the
body 5 is adapted to sealably confront the inner circumference of
the bottle neck during inserting. The technique of inserting and
removing the bottle plug has been described in detail in previous
embodiment for reference.
FIG. 9 illustrates the bottle plug in accordance with the fifth
embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9,
reference numerals of the fifth embodiment has applied the
identical numerals of the previous fourth embodiment. Referring to
FIG. 9, the plug 7 of the fifth embodiment further includes an
annular wall extended from the radially outer annular surface in a
direction from the top 72 to the leg. An annular tear strip 73 is
attached to the rim of the wall and thus the inner lip 71 forms a
retainer for retaining the annular plate 53 while the plug 7 is
inserted into the body 5. When the leg of the plug 7 is axially
inserted into the space 55 of the body 5, the retainer receives
fittingly the annular plate 53 and the tapered end is axially
aligned to the retracted surface 56. Once the tapered end is
engaged with the retracted surface 56, the end of the walls 52 will
be forced to expand radially and outwardly. The outer circumference
of the elastomer member 3 corresponding to the expansion portion of
the body 5 is adapted to sealably confront the inner circumference
of the bottle neck during inserting.
Users can tear off the strip 73 from the plug 7 and thus it is cut
along the radially outer annular surface of the top 72. The plug 7
releases the annular plate 53 and then the bottle plug can remove
from the bottle neck 4. The appearance of the plug 7 without the
tear strip 73 performs the function of indicating whether the
bottle neck 4 has previously opened or the bottle plug has been
used. Therefore, it can prevent reuse of the bottle plug.
FIG. 10 illustrates the bottle plug in accordance with the sixth
embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 10, the body
8 includes a first annular rib 81a and a second annular rib 81b
formed on an inner circumference of a wall 84 and a plurality of
flexible walls 82 encircled an axis to define a space 85 with an
opening. An annular partition 83 of the body 8 provides an upper
surface for axially extending the wall 84 defining a compartment
and a lower surface for axially extending the walls 82 defining an
expansion portion. The inner distal circumference of each wall 82
provides a protrusion 86 projecting inwardly in a common plane
perpendicular to the axis defined by the body 8. The outer
circumference of each wall 82 further provides a plurality of ribs
87 projecting outwardly and encircling co-axially around the axis
of the body 8. The plug 9 essentially consists of a top and a leg.
The leg provides a recession 92 and a slightly tapered end adapted
to engage in turn with the protrusion 86 of the body 8.
Correspondingly, the radially outer annular surface of the top
provides an annular groove 91 extended around the axis of the plug
9 and adapted to engage with the ribs 81 of the body 8. When the
leg of the plug 9 is axially inserted into the inner circumference
of the body 8, the tapered end is axially aligned to the protrusion
86. Once the tapered end is engaged with the protrusion 86, the end
of the walls 82 will be forced to expand radially and outwardly.
The first groove 81a is engaged with the rib 91 to form a securely
locked position after insertion. The body 8 further provides an
annular flange 88 at the edge of a hole of the partition 83 for
holding the inserted leg of the plug 9 slightly tight before it is
in lock position. The inner circumference of the elastomer member 3
includes a plurality of grooves 31 encircling co-axially around its
axis corresponding to the ribs 87 for assembling.
FIG. 11 illustrates the bottle plug in accordance with the sixth
embodiment of the present invention in the first step of closing
bottle process. FIG. 12 illustrates the bottle plug in accordance
with the sixth embodiment of the present invention in remove
process. Referring to FIG. 11, the outer circumference of the
elastomer member 3 corresponding to the expansion portion of the
body 8 is adapted to sealably confront the inner circumference of
the bottle neck 4 when the distal end of the plug 9 engaged with
the inner circumference of the body 8. While the distal end of the
plug 9 is rested in the opening of space 85, the rib 91 is engaged
with the first groove 81a in order to perform the function of
positioning the plug 9 that securely locked in the body 8.
Referring to FIG. 12, the plug 9 is manually pressed downward along
the space 85 of the body 8 by users so that the protrusion 86 is
slid into the groove 92 to shrink the expansion portion such that
the bottle plug can conveniently remove from the bottle neck 4. The
wall 82 is shrunk inwardly and thus the outer diameter of the
bottle plug will reduce due to shrinkage of the expansion portion.
While the groove 92 of the plug 9 is engaged with the protrusion 86
of the body 8, the rib 91 is engaged with the second groove 81b in
order to perform the function of positioning the plug 9 that
securely locked in the body 8. The appearance of the plug 9
positioned in the groove 81a or 81b performs the function of
indicating whether the bottle neck 4 has previously opened or the
bottle plug has been used. Therefore, it can prevent reuse of the
bottle plug.
FIG. 13 illustrates the bottle plug in accordance with the seventh
embodiment of the present invention in the first step of closing
bottle process. FIG. 14 illustrates the bottle plug in accordance
with the seventh embodiment of the present invention in remove
process. Referring to FIG. 13, the body 80 of the seventh
embodiment further includes a annular groove 801 formed on an inner
circumference of a wall 804 and a plurality of flexible walls 802
encircled an axis to define a space 805 with an opening. An annular
partition 803 of the body 80 provides an upper surface for axially
extending the wall 804 defining a compartment and a lower surface
for axially extending the walls 802 defining an expansion portion.
The inner circumference of each wall 802 provides a slightly
retracted surface 806 projecting inwardly in a common plane
perpendicular to the axis defined by the body 80. The outer
circumference of each wall 802 further provides a plurality of ribs
807 projecting outwardly and encircling co-axially around the axis
of the body 80. The plug 90 essentially consists of a top and a
leg. The ends of the plug 90 provide an annular first flange 901
and an annular second flange 902 adapted to engage with the groove
801 and the retracted inner circumference 806 of the body 80
respectively. When the leg of the plug 90 is axially inserted into
the inner circumference 806 of the body 90, the end of the leg is
axially aligned to the inner circumference 806 of the wall 802.
Once the annular flange 902 is engaged with the inner circumference
806 while pressing the plug 90, the walls 802 will be forced to
expand radially and outwardly. The inner circumference of the
elastomer member 3 includes a plurality of grooves 31 encircling
co-axially around its axis corresponding to the ribs 807 for
assembling. The outer circumference of the elastomer member 3
corresponding to the expansion portion of the body 80 is adapted to
sealably confront the inner circumference of the bottle neck 4 when
the annular flange 902 of the plug 90 engaged with the inner
circumference 806 of the body 80. While the annular flange 902 is
rested in the space 805, the annular first flange 901 is positioned
at the topside of the groove 801 in order to perform the function
of positioning the plug 90 securely locked in the body 80.
Referring to FIG. 14, the plug 90 is manually pressed downward
along the inner circumference of the wall 804 by users for removing
bottle plug so that the annular flange 902 slides out of the
circumference 806 to shrink the walls 802. The wall 802 is shrunk
inwardly and thus the outer diameter of the bottle plug will reduce
due to shrinkage of the body 80. While the annular flange 902 of
the plug 90 is engaged with the distal end of the body 80, the
annular flange 901 is positioned at the bottom side of the groove
801 in order to perform the function of removing the bottle plug.
The position of the plug 90 at the topside or bottom side of the
groove 801 performs the function of indicating whether the bottle
neck 4 has previously opened or the bottle plug has been used. The
plug 90 cannot remove from the body 80 due to the annular flange
902 engaged with the opening for preventing reuse.
FIG. 15 illustrates the bottle plug in accordance with the eighth
embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 15, the body
10 of the eighth embodiment further includes a annular groove 101
formed on an inner circumference of a wall 104 and a plurality of
flexible walls 102 encircled an axis to define a space 105 with an
opening. An annular partition 103 of the body 10 provides an upper
surface for axially extending the wall 104 defining a compartment
and a lower surface for axially extending the walls 102 defining an
expansion portion. The inner circumference of each wall 102
provides a protrusion 106 projecting inwardly in a common plane
perpendicular to the axis defined by the body 10. The outer
circumference of each wall 102 further provides a plurality of ribs
107 projecting outwardly and arranged at a helical angle with
respect to the axis of the body 10. The plug 9 essentially consists
of a top and a leg. The leg provides a recession 92 adapted to
engage with the protrusion 106 of the body 10. The top of the plug
9 provides an annular flange 91 on its radially outer annular
surface adapted to engage with the groove 101 of the body 10. Once
the leg of the plug 9 is engaged with the protrusion 106, the end
of the walls 102 will be forced to expand radially and outwardly.
The inner circumference of the elastomer member 30 includes a
plurality of grooves 301 arranged at a helical angle corresponding
to the ribs 807 for assembling. Accordingly, the body 10 is
inserted into the elastomer member 30 and then rotated at an
appropriate angle with respect to the axis of it for fittingly
assembly. The body 10 is adhesively received in the elastomer
member 30 by adhesive for fear taking apart each other. The bottom
of the elastomer member 30 further provides a hole 302 and a filter
303 arranged therein. The filter 303 is made of cork material and
permits only a miniscule amount of air to enter the bottle.
FIG. 16 illustrates the bottle plug in accordance with the eighth
embodiment of the present invention in the first step of closing
bottle process. Referring to FIG. 16, the outer circumference of
the elastomer member 30 corresponding to the expansion portion of
the body 10 is adapted to sealably confront the inner circumference
of the bottle neck 4 when the distal end of the plug 9 engaged with
the inner circumference 106 of the body 10. While the leg of the
plugs is rested on the inner circumference of the body 10, the
annular flange 91 is positioned at the topside of the groove 101 in
order to perform the function of positioning the plug 9 securely
locked in the body 10.
Referring again to FIG. 16, the plug 90 can be manually pressed
downward along the inner circumference of the wall 104 by users for
removing bottle plug so that the groove 92 is engaged with out of
the protrusion 106 to shrink the walls 102. The wall 802 is shrunk
inwardly and thus the outer diameter of the bottle plug will reduce
due to shrinkage of the body 10. While the groove 92 of the plug 9
is engaged with the protrusion 106 of the body 10, the annular
flange 91 is positioned at the bottom side of the groove 101 in
order to perform the function of removing the bottle plug. The
position of the plug 9 at the topside or bottom side of the groove
101 performs the function of indicating whether the bottle neck 4
has previously opened or the bottle plug has been used. The plug 9
cannot remove from the body 10 due to the groove 92 engaged with
the protrusion 106 for preventing reuse.
Although the invention has been described in detail with reference
to its presently preferred embodiment, it will be understood by one
of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications can be made
without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention,
as set forth in the appended claims.
* * * * *